Answer 42 - Triskaidecimal
Created | Updated Oct 12, 2005
What is Triskaidecimal?
Its a numbering system similar to hexadecimal. Often confused with a base three number system Triskaidecimal is based on a 13 figure numbering system. Numbers 1-9, A-C.
Its a Prime and a Fibonacci number.
Why Triskaidecimal?
Since antiquity members of esotetic sects have revered and feared the number 13. Friday the 13th, the unlucky number, bakers dozen, the 13th Disciple, 13 cards in a suit.
It may be that the numbering system came about from ancient priests who took that the common man used 10 fingers, 5 on each hand, but the adept had extra 'magical' unseen fingers for some form of mystical ability. A combination of 10 representing man and 3 for the trinity.
Did Douglas Adams unknowingly tap into this principle behind the universe by drawing words and plots out of his mind at random. Allowing the world around him to shape an answer? How many of us can fit some of our lives into the plots and twists, trying to make sure we don't miss the window.